Happy Saturday!
This has been one of THOSE weeks. Work issues, weather issues…and then the arrival of a glorious cold. Needless to say, I’ve been subsisting on soup & tea. And green smoothies. Because greens are overflowing with good-for-you-ness, and my poor little self needed all the nourishment I could get. Feeling better now, and just in time…to post my two smoothies of the week….enjoy!
Today’s smoothie pair features the healing properties of gelatin, which is something I’ve determined to include more of in my diet this year. If you’d like to learn more about the ways gelatin is wonderful for you…check out this post by Lauren at Empowered Sustenance. There’s a fun recipe there that you may enjoy as well.
Smoothie #1 is deceptively creamy, but you would never guess it is dairy-free. For a vegan version, you could sub the gelatin for the protein powder of your choice.
Pear & Arugula Smoothie {dairy-free}
Pears and walnuts come together to make a creamy, silky smoothie bursting with vitamins E & C, as well as immune-boosting antioxidants. Arugula may seem an unusual addition, but it adds a bright peppy kick that will knock your socks off. Gelatin is an unsung protein hero, providing amino acids that serve as building blocks for collagen repair, as well as aiding in digestion.
(THM friends, check the notes to adapt this into an E)
Ingredients:
- 1/3 c walnuts, soaked overnight in warm water
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 cups arugula (2 generous handfuls)
- 3-4 Ice Cubes
- 1 pear
- pinch of unrefined sea salt plus stevia to taste
- 1 heaping tbsp 100% pure gelatin (I like this brand)
Instructions:
- Process walnuts in blender with water until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients in order listed, then blend until thick and creamy.
- Serve in chilled glass and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts: Calories 420; Carbs: 31g; Fiber: 9g; Fat: 25g; Protein: 20g
Notes:
Trim Healthy Mamas, if this smoothie made your mouth water, you can reduce the walnuts to 1 Tbsp, and add 1/2 cup fat free Greek yogurt. That turns it into a very filling E. Modified nutrition info below. You’re welcome 😉
“E” Version Nutrition: Calories 275; Carbs: 31g; Fiber: 7g; Fat: 5.5g; Protein: 26g
And now for number two……
This is the smoothie that I will con my as-yet-unborn-children into drinking, by telling them it’s what the Incredible Hulk has for breakfast. Hey, it’s green, and spinach made Popeye strong…sounds legit to me!
Incr-E-dible Hulk's Breakfast Shake
I like smoothie bananas best when they start to turn brown because this maximizes their sweetness. Adding them frozen makes smoothies extra velvety & creamy. Golden flax seed supplies vitamin E and some nutty flavor that complements the vanilla and cinnamon rather nicely.
All-in-all, this green drink is so yummy no one will guess it is healthy! Trim Healthy Mammas, this one is also full-E on plan…(see what I did there?)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp golden flax seed
- 1/2 cup 2% cottage cheese
- 2 cups spinach (2 generous handfuls)
- 3-4 Ice Cubes
- 1 frozen banana
- pinch of unrefined sea salt plus stevia to taste
- 1/4 tsp vanilla
- 2 shakes of cinnamon
- 1 heaping tbsp 100% pure gelatin (I like this brand)
Instructions:
- Blend flax seed and water for about 60 seconds until smooth.
- Place all remaining ingredients in blender in order listed and process until smooth.
- Sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon when serving (because cinnamon is the food of the gods, and more is always better where it’s concerned).
Nutrition Facts: Calories 310; Carbs: 37g; Fiber: 7g; Fat: 6g; Protein: 30g
Do you have a favorite standby recipe you’d like to share? Mention it in the comments and I’ll feature it in an upcoming post. 🙂
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